Hungarian Tax Authority Seizes 1.2 bn HUF in Illegal Cigarette Trade, Detains Two Suspects

Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) announced that its Southern Alföld Crime Directorate seized more than 1.2 billion forints worth of illicit tobacco products. The operation recovered over 1,600 kg of consumable tobacco, roughly 5,000 boxes of untaxed cigarettes from a truck, more than 10,000 boxes from storage facilities, and 50 untaxed e‑cigarettes.

Alongside the seizure, authorities detained two individuals suspected of running the family‑run illegal cigarette network. Both were placed in custody after the court ordered their detention. Investigators also froze assets valued at over 200 million forints, including vehicles and cash, as part of a money‑laundering probe linked to the organized crime group.